Steven says in his bio “I enjoy reading translated Roman poetry, literature on any kind of revolution, and a good epic once in a great moon.” and his poem of the week ‘Win Sum’ perfectly showcases this interest.

From the intrigue of the title through to the subject matter – this piece frames itself as a ‘classics’ poem – the language is rich with ancient images interspersed with more modern language – and the pay-off line at the end is a succinct life lesson that really resonates. Below are his short but sweet answers to our Q&A.

 

What got you in to writing poetry?

I started writing seriously to express emotions way back in school instead of getting into trouble.

 

 

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing since i was in grade school, and used to write then while listening to my favorite music at the time.

 

 

Do you go to any open mic nights?

I''ve never attended an open mic as of yet but have been on the local radio once to recite poetry, and i do hope to do some sort of an audiobook in the near future.

 

 

Your favourite poet/poem?

John E. Marks here on Write out loud

 

 

You're cast away on a desert island. What's your luxury?

A bottle of Bacardi and a flare gun.

 

"Win Sum" by Steven Arthur

 

Caesar kept his promise when he crossed the Rubicon,

Beatified and blunt on the mosaic and stained glass,

Guards morphed from slabs of stone with their duty gone,

Gentrified and dumped and where the road ends it rains ash.

 

Flames from Nergal then reach to the ceiling,

Nepal then melts away,

Bubble like the gin with a crutch and a killing,

Water raises familiars in the bay.

 

Cyclones and sirens and the algae in the opal city,

Sifting through the air on the bamboo shoots,

Singing the song with a busker to a local ditty,

Winning isn’t wishing, but to know what you want when you lose.